Tips to Properly Maintain Your Forklift

shutterstock_55429804
As a forklift owner, there are several maintenance and repair procedures you need to carry out regularly to ensure that your forklift remains in perfect working condition.

Three Crucial Forklift Maintenance Tips

Forklifts, like any other machines or vehicles, require regular care and maintenance. As they develop the usual wear and tear, they sometimes need routine or unique repairs. Forklift repair is not as complicated as it seems, and sticking to a strict schedule and promptly addressing any performance issues will ensure optimal machine performance and a longer lifespan. Here are top forklift maintenance tips that forklift sales companies often recommend:

1. Regularly check the tires

This is among the most important routine for any forklift owner to engage in. Regularly checking the pressure ensures that your forklift has an efficient gas economy, and it also allows for the safest handling of your machine. Using underinflated tires causes poor traction on your machine and makes it prone to accidents. On the other hand, overinflated tires may blow out and put the forklift out of service at a very inconvenient time.

2. Regularly change the oil and check the level of the antifreeze

Changing the oil in a forklift is similar to changing the oil in a car. Regular oil replacement ensures optimal results. If you’re looking to stretch the longevity of your forklift, this is among the easiest and most effective activities that pay the highest dividends. Changing the oil every three months will improve the fuel economy of your forklift and prevent combustion problems. It will also improve the machine’s performance.

It’s essential to check the antifreeze level before using the forklift. When there is little or no antifreeze, your forklift can freeze or overheat. To avoid such dilemmas, check the antifreeze reservoir of your forklift and top it off as required. Also, inspect the radiator and reservoir for leaks that may cause the reduction in the antifreeze levels.

3. Check the brakes

Brake malfunction can have disastrous consequences, so you need to address brake problems as they arise. When the brake gets softer and the operator is forced to apply more pressure to engage the mechanism, it’s time to check the braking system.